Twitch updates policy to ban 'Zionist' as a slur
3 Min Read
Twitch is just the latest social media platform to adjust its policies surrounding speech on the Gaza genocide.
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The logo for live-streaming video platform Twitch is seen on November 4, 2017, at the Paris games week in Paris, France. (AP)
US news sources on Saturday reported that Twitch has updated its "Hateful Content Policy" to include the term "Zionist" as a potential slur.
The platform stated in a blog post that using the term to attack or demean individuals or groups based on their background or religious beliefs will now be prohibited.
"Using the term 'Zionist' to refer to the political movement, whether in support or criticism, does not violate our policy," Twitch clarified.
"However, using it as a slur or to denigrate others in certain contexts will not be allowed." The platform reaffirmed its goal of fostering "safe discussions" while curbing "hate speech".
In essence, the move is seen as an attempt to conflate anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism, as accusations of Zionism against others are now effectively censored.
The move follows pressure from figures like Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) and organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, who have criticized the Amazon-owned platform for failing to adequately address allegations of "antisemitism".
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy reiterated in a blog post earlier this month that "hate and harassment have no place on Twitch."
Pro-genocide media platforms
Since the start of the Gaza genocide, pro-Palestinian voices have faced increasing repression.
Twitch is just the latest social media platform to adjust its policies surrounding speech on the Gaza genocide.
In 2023, Human Rights Watch issued a reported detailing that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has systematically censored pro-Palestinian voices.
Their report documented undue removal and suppression of content supporting Palestinian human rights.
Read more: Meta shields Zionism amid global outcry over Israeli genocide in Gaza
The platform has faced its own controversies recently, including accusations of disabling sign-ups for users in the occupied territories in October following the start of the war in 2023.
Twitch apologized, explaining that sign-ups with email verification were temporarily disabled to prevent graphic uploads but admitted it failed to promptly re-enable access.
Additionally, Twitch faced backlash for banning several Arab streamers for what they termed as "hateful conduct" during a September panel discussion at TwitchCon.
In response to mounting scrutiny, Clancy reiterated Twitch's commitment to combating racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia, claiming, "Our community must remain a safe place for all."
